218 COMMERCIAL VALUE OF FLOWERS 



newer sorts are wonderfully beautiful, and one of the 

 advantages of the gladiolus is the fact that the blos- 

 soms will last for two weeks or more when cut, if the 

 cutting is done just before the first flower on the stalk 

 opens. Then, day after day, the other blossoms will un- 

 fold, until the stalk is full of glorious color. 



The bulbs should be planted four inches deep, and 

 care should be taken to have them go in the ground 

 right side up. If the soil is kept stirred, less water will 

 be necessary, and the plants will respond with extra fine 

 flowers. If one desires a long blooming season of 

 gladioli, plantings should be made every two weeks from 

 April to June. They may be planted in rows eighteen 

 inches apart and six inches in the row. One particular 

 advantage of the gladiolus is the fact that it is seldom 

 attacked by insect pests or plant diseases. These flowers 

 also have commercial possibilities. One has only to study 

 florists' windows during the summer and fall to be con- 

 vinced of this fact. 



Pansies prefer a partly shaded location and salvia 

 thrives best in full sunshine. A late mulch benefits salvia. 



Keep your pansy blossoms picked. Let no seeds form. 

 In early winter cover with a layer of leaves and place a 

 few branches on top to prevent the wind from blowing 

 the leaves away. Remove the covering early in the spring 

 and you will probably find buds already showing color, 

 and it will not be long until you have plenty of these 

 charming blossoms. Start mignonette and nasturtiums in 

 the plot where they are to grow. Both varieties are rapid 

 growers. 



The beautiful lily-of-the-valley succeeds outside, in 

 almost any location, but prefers shade and plenty of 

 moisture. When it is once planted and becomes estab- 

 lished, the crowns keep increasing, the large ones flower- 

 ing each year without any attention beyond the applica- 

 tion of a top-dressing of manure or rich soil in the fall. 



